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Nutritional Needs

Diet can be an important ally in the fight against hair loss. Protein in particular has been seen to both strengthen existing hair and encourage growth of new hair. The recommended daily serving of protein varies according to age and health, however two to three servings of food rich in protein should satisfy most adults. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish or nuts can reduce inflammation, leading to a healthier scalp.

Medication and Supplements

Although certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems can result in hair loss, it is essential to diagnose and first treat the underlying medical ailment before working to combat the hair loss. Anemia has also been known to lead to hair loss, though experts recommend that only those who have confirmed iron deficiency anemia begin taking iron supplements.

Despite the multitude of advertisements for a variety of vitamins and supplements specific to hair loss, the truth is that many lack sufficient, scientific supporting evidence. A few, however, have been proven to be important to the health of the hair and scalp. For instance, vitamin A plays an integral role in the production of sebum, natural oil found in the skin and scalp which helps keep the scalp adequately moisturized. Vitamin E is a nutrient that both facilitates blood to the scalp and aids in oxygen absorption. Vitamin C is a key ingredient in the production of collagen, an essential element in strands of hair. A lack of collagen can result in hair damage, causing breakage and further hair loss.

*Please note that before beginning to take any new medications or supplements, it is important to consult with your physician.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Changing seasons, stress, other external behaviors such as hair styling can all impact hair loss. Stress management can be a crucial component to naturally managing or complementing current hair replacement. Stress has been shown to result in hair loss, so it is important to accurately examine stress levels as well as find appropriate outlets to help relieve stress.

Hair hygiene is another area to investigate as a possible complement to managing hair loss. Certain styles such as perms, dyes and tightly wound ponytails and cornrows can wreak havoc on hair. Tight rubber bands or harsh brushing can also further damage hair. Try to not overdo brushing and washing so as not to strip hair of important essential oils and add breakage to already thinning hair.

While adjusting certain areas may help manage hair loss or provide a complement to existing hair replacement treatment, sometimes further actions may be necessary and there are a variety of surgical and non-surgical hair replacement options.

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1. Wearing hats causes hair loss

The logic behind this myth is that hats prevent the scalp from getting the oxygen it requires or that hats can strain the hair follicles. The truth is that hair follicles don’t need to be exposed to the air to get oxygen, they actually receive it directly from the bloodstream. However, dirty hats can cause scalp infection or hats that fit too tightly may cause thinning along the areas of the head where there is constant pressure. Be sure your hats are clean and fit comfortably on the head.

2. Genes for hair loss come from the mother’s side

While genetics do play a role in hair loss, the maternal side is not entirely to blame. Though the primary gene responsible for male hair loss resides on the X chromosome, which men receive from their mothers, hereditary hair loss is influenced by many other factors and hair loss genes can actually come from either parent. Research now suggests that men experiencing male pattern hair loss, a common type of hair loss that is hereditary, are more likely to follow in the footsteps of their fathers and grandfathers, and women with female pattern hair loss tend to align with their mothers and grandmothers.

3. Frequent shampooing and brushing causes hair to fall out

Although shampooing too often or harsh and frequent brushing can strip hair of important natural oils and lead to breakage, these lifestyle habits do not cause hair loss. Hereditary hair loss, one of the most common types in both men and women, is not the result of hair damage, but of hormone interactions that cause hair follicles to grow shorter and shorter and eventually disappear. Even though shampooing, brushing and other styles and styling products such as hairspray and gel do not cause hair loss, harsh treatment can damage existing hair.

4. Decreased blood flow to the scalp causes hair loss

This myth comes out of the truth that growing hair does require increased blood flow. When hair begins to thin and fall out, blood to the scalp will decrease because it is not needed.  This same logic has led many to believe that brushing, scalp massage and even standing on your head will increase hair growth. However, changes in blood flow are an effect of hair loss, not the cause of it. Blood circulation is not related to hair loss and hair loss occurs before the blood flow decreases.

5. Frequent haircuts can help prevent hair loss

Although hair can feel thicker after a haircut, frequent cuts or shaving will not prevent hair loss. While some experience faster hair growth than others, the cause of the most common forms of male and female hair loss is hormonal, something external actions like haircuts will not impact.

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Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as “male pattern” or “common pattern” baldness, is the most common form of male hair loss. The male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shortens the growth phase of certain hair follicles on the scalp, causing them to become progressively smaller and eventually disappear in a process called “miniaturization.” Genetics ultimately determine which hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, but they often reside in the front, top and crown areas of the scalp, resulting in a pattern of hair loss in these areas. Stages of this type of hair loss can be measured by the Norwood-Hamilton scale.

Treatments for androgenetic alopecia range from hair replacement surgery to non-surgical replacement systems such as customized hair pieces.

Telogen effluvium (TE) is the second most common form of hair loss in men. TE occurs when the number of hair follicles producing hair changes. Between 80% and 90% of the hair follicles on a human scalp are actively growing hair at any given time. The others are in telogen or a resting state. Men experiencing TE will have a large amount of hair follicles shift into the resting state, resulting in hair loss seen often as a diffuse thinning on the scalp. TE can develop in different ways and has a variety of triggers ranging from chronic stress to crash dieting to side effects of certain medications such as antidepressants.

Despite the many causes and triggers, TE is fully reversible. To treat TE, one must pinpoint the cause. If the hair loss remains or the cause cannot be identified, a direct hair growth stimulator may be employed to block TE from redeveloping.

Alopecia areata (AA) is believed by researchers to be an autoimmune disease where the inflammation targets the roots of the hair follicles deep in the skin. AA hair loss can affect men, women and children, and two in 100 people will be affected by AA at some point in their life. AA typically appears as circular bald patches on the scalp and while most people only get a few, others can have more extensive or even complete hair loss, affecting everything from the eyebrows to the beard to pubic hair.

Treatments for AA range, though not all are effective for everyone. Typically corticosteroids are the most common treatment option. Although AA hair loss can happen suddenly, the hair follicles are not completely destroyed and if the inflammation stops, they have the ability to regrow. To learn more about AA, visit the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.

Various hair replacement systems at Complete Image can be effective solutions for men experiencing hair loss.

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Extensive and long-term hair loss is described by the generic medical term alopecia. The most common types of female hair loss are androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium and traction alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or “female pattern” hair loss is a type of hair loss manifested by diffuse thinning on all areas of the scalp. AGA results from male hormones that are typically present in small amounts in women called androgens. The male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes certain hair follicles on the scalp to become shorter and shorter, eventually disappearing. Although heredity is involved in AGA, hormone activity can also play a role. Major instances causing hormone shifts such as pregnancy, menopause, ovarian cysts and taking birth control pills with a high androgen index can be linked to this form of hair loss.

Stages of female pattern hair loss are measured by the Ludwig Scale. There are a variety of treatment options available for women with AGA regardless of stage, spanning the spectrum from surgical hair replacement to non-surgical hair replacement systems.

Telogen effluvium (TE) is another type of hair loss in women, typically catalyzed when the body goes through a traumatic event such as major surgery, childbirth or suffers from malnutrition. Experience of trauma can cause hair follicles to transition from the “rest” phase (telogen) to a shedding phase resulting in hair loss. At any given time, a healthy scalp has 10% – 20% of the hair follicles in the resting phase. Other stressors include certain types of medication or environmental exposures. There are also chronic forms of TE in women.

To treat TE, the cause must first be discovered. If the cause is an event or trauma, hair growth can resume normally within a few months once the body and mind have had a chance to recover. However if the hair loss remains or the cause cannot be identified, a direct hair growth stimulator may be employed to block TE from redeveloping.

Anagen effluvium is a form of hair loss that occurs when something inhibits the hair follicle’s metabolic activity. Commonly associated with chemotherapy, this type of effluvium hair loss affects hairs in the active or anagen phase. Once chemotherapy has begun, 90% or more of the hairs can fall out while in this anagen phase. A tapered hair shaft characterizes anagen effluvium, fracturing as it narrows and resulting in hair loss.

Various hair replacement systems, including wigs and wiglets, can be attractive and effective solutions for women experiencing this type of hair loss.

Traction alopecia is caused by hairstyles inflicting trauma on the hair follicles. Tight hairstyles such as cornrows, braiding, extensions and strained ponytails/buns are the most common styles that produce traction alopecia.

Typically hair will regrow if the condition is detected early, though hair replacement systems are options for women who experience this type of hair loss and the hair does not regenerate.

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The most common type of male hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia, often referred to as “male pattern baldness” or “male pattern hair loss.” Male pattern hair loss is responsible for hair loss in about 90% of men. It can begin as early as the teens or twenties and is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and male sex hormones.

There are several different patterns for male hair loss. The most common are a receding hairline beginning at the temples, thinning at the crown of the head (also called the vertex), and general thinning of the hair across large areas of the scalp without much direct change to the hairline. Men can experience one of these patterns of hair loss or a combination of all three.

The Norwood-Hamilton Scale outlines the different stages of male pattern hair loss. Vertex stages show hair loss at the crown of the head, while the “A” patterns demonstrate a more dramatic pattern of hair loss. Although this type of hair loss impacts less than 10% of men, it often appears more severe because hair loss is concentrated in the front of the head.

Stage I: shows an adolescent hairline, generally located on the upper brow crease. There is no hair loss at the hairline or crown of the head.

Stage II: demonstrates the progression to an adult hairline, which sits slightly above the upper brow crease. Hair loss at this stage is very mild and usually concentrated at the frontal hairline.

Stage III: is the earliest stage of hair loss considered cosmetically significant enough to be called “baldness” according to this scale. At this stage, most men show a deep symmetrical recession at the temples, which are either bare or only sparsely covered with hair. The vertex figure here shows the additional thinning of the hair at the crown of the head.

Stage IV: includes a deepening recession at the front of the head in the temple areas. Hair loss at the crown is evident and often a bridge of moderately dense hair will separate hair loss at the front of the scalp from that at the vertex or the crown of the head. The sides of the head are typically well-covered with hair.

Stage V: marks the beginning of severe hair loss. While there remains a small separation between the loss of hair at the hairline and the loss of hair at the crown, the band of hair between the two is much thinner and narrower. Hair loss at both the crown and the temporal regions are larger and more distinct.

Stage VI: The bridge of hair that once separated the front of the head from the crown is now almost fully lost, only a few sparse strands may persist. The remaining hair now forms a horseshoe shape around the baldness concentrated in the center of the scalp. Hair loss on the sides of the head will also extend further at this stage.

Stage VII: The most advanced stage of hair loss, only a wreath of thin hair remains on the sides and back of the scalp.

Fortunately, hair replacement solutions are available for every stage of hair loss. For more information about the different options that may be right for you, contact Complete Image Hair Design for a complimentary and confidential consultation.

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Once the cause of the hair loss is determined, the next step in figuring out the best course of treatment is to evaluate the extent of the hair loss. Several scales measure the extent of female hair loss, but the two most common standards are the Ludwig Scale and the Savin Scale. The two are almost identical, except the Savin Scale measures overall thinning as well as the density in the hair, shown by the hair pictured at the crown.

Stages I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4: illustrate the female crown hair density. The first stage (I-1) shows a woman with a central part in her hair with no hair loss. The part widens in images I-2, I-3, and I-4, demonstrating thinning hair along the top of the scalp and the crown area.

Stages II-1, II-2: show increasingly thin hair at the top of the scalp as the hair loss advances.

Stage III: represents a woman with severe female pattern hair loss, concentrated at the top of the head and crown area.

Advanced: while rarely seen in clinical practice, this picture shows a very advanced stage of female pattern hair loss, with almost no hair remaining on the crown or top of the head.

Frontal: demonstrates female pattern hair loss concentrated more at the forehead area than the crown of the head and gradually moves back. This pattern is fairly rare among women who experience hair loss.

The good news is that hair replacement solutions are available for nearly every stage of hair loss. To learn about the various options that may be a fit for you, contact Complete Image Hair Design for a free and completely confidential consultation.

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Wig: One of the oldest hair replacement systems, evidence of wig wearing dates back several centuries and can be seen in artifacts recovered from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. While wigs/wiglets have evolved since then, the concept of a wig being made of real (human or animal) or artificial hair and intended to cover the entire scalp has stayed relatively static.

Typically wigs are removed each night by the wearer and not worn during certain activities such as bathing. Wigs are also often used as part of a costume and several famous actors, musicians, athletes and other celebrities such as Britney Spears, Andre Agassi, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Cher have popularized the wearing of wigs for both theatrical or everyday purposes.

Hair piece: In contrast to a wig/wiglet, hair pieces are designed for various kinds of coverage. Hair extensions, toupees, head-wraps, and bangs are all types of hair pieces. The coverage of a hair piece depends on your needs. For instance, Complete Image Hair Design offers hair pieces that are customized to each client and can fill in thinning hair or cover an entire scalp.

Whereas a wig usually is taken off at night and during other activities by the wearer, a hair piece can be crafted to be more durable, allowing it to stay on while sleeping, showering, exercising, etc. Wearers of these kinds of hair pieces, such as those provided by Complete Image Hair Design, typically do not remove it themselves, and instead return to the provider for adjustments and touch-up’s as needed.

Toupee: A toupee is a type of hair piece intended to cover baldness on the top of the head. This partial hair piece is usually held in place with two-sided special tape or liquid toupee glue and blends with existing hair on the sides and back of the head. Typically men use toupees more than women, due to the coverage needed for male pattern baldness.

For more information about the various hair replacement options available and which one may be right for you, contact the hair replacement specialists at Complete Image Hair Design to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

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Chemotherapy is a course of treatment in which specific chemical agents or drugs are used to selectively destroy malignant cells and tissues. The combination of chemicals is customized to each patient and each type of cancer based on the efficacy established in extensive testing, trials, and the experience of the oncology specialist. Chemotherapy, usually in conjunction with surgery and/or radiation, has proven to be a highly effective treatment option.

In the minds of most patients, chemotherapy is synonymous with baldness and nausea. Tremendous advances in pharmaceutical research have produced medications to combat, or even prevent nausea, and your medical professional can offer a variety of options.

Hair replacement technology has made significant advances as well. The highly skilled staff at Complete Image Hair Design in Cleveland can offer you a variety of solutions to keep up your appearance and your confidence once hair thinning and/or hair loss occur. We have an attachment to the image we see in the mirror and when it suddenly – due to circumstances beyond our control – changes drastically, it can easily affect our identity. The stylists at Complete Image have years of experience to draw on to assist you in taking back control of your appearance at a time when you may be in the midst of chaos. The key to weathering the transition may lie in rewriting our internal dialog in a less critical tone and ignoring society’s attitude.

The damage to the very delicate hair follicles that are susceptible to the chemicals in chemotherapy drugs (or radiation therapy) does not occur instantly and can take up to 2 – 3 weeks from the time of the first dosage. It also crosses gender lines and affects both women and men equally. The best time to schedule a FREE, private, confidential consultation with an experienced, emphatic hair replacement expert at Cleveland’s Complete Image Hair Design is before treatment starts. If after your free consultation you decide a hair replacement system is right for you, the stylists at Complete Image will help you to navigate the process to achieve the look you feel is right for you. Being able to assess a client’s hair growth pattern, usual hair style, texture, color, etc. will enable the stylist to work with the client to achieve the most natural-looking, best fitting hair replacement option.

Should changes in the fit occur during the course of the treatment, adjustments to fit and style can easily be made on site. At Complete Image Hair Design, the partnership forged between stylist and client during that initial visit often outlasts the course of the treatment.

The good news is that after treatment is completed, hair will grow back and usually even fuller than before!

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Thinning hair affects men and women alike and is quite common among both sexes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. On the day when hair is washed, that number can increase to 250 strands. In healthy follicles about 85% to 90% of hair grows at one time. When cycles are suspended, no new hair is produced which leads to thinning and, depending on the cause, sometimes eventual balding.

Discovering abnormal hair loss and the resulting thinning areas can be traumatic and dispiriting. Complete Image Hair Design in Cleveland offers a wide range of individualized hair system solutions specifically customized for the location, pattern and cause of a client’s hair loss. The array of customized options can guarantee a return to living life with confidence and without restrictions.

While men’s hair tends to recede from the forehead or crown of the head; women tend to notice thinning on the top third to half of their scalp, or will notice the part in their hairstyle gradually becoming wider. A confidential, FREE, private consultation with the highly skilled stylists at Complete Image will introduce the client to temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent hair replacement systems to meet each individual’s unique personality and style. Choose what’s best for you after you’ve spoken with a true professional.

The professional staff at Cleveland’s Complete Image Hair Design strongly urges prospective clients to educate themselves about the wide range of legitimate hair system options and avoid the expense and disappointment of unproven, hyped-up cure-alls.

Helpful hints: According to www.webmd.com, if there is concern about ‘self-inflicted’ hair thinning, avoid severe hairstyles such as cornrows, tight ponytails or braids; excessive dyes and chemical treatments; stiff bristled brushes; excessive use of blow dryers and flat irons; and don’t brush wet hair too aggressively as this can also result in damage and breakage.

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